The lives of elite footballers are put under the microscope, they are constantly scrutinised for their performances on and off the pitch, as well as their appearance. Latest football news Over the years have always made headlines not only for their football prowess, but also for their fluctuating body weight. Some of the top level footballers include Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata, Gonzalo Iguaín, Willian, and Isco. All of them have been in the spotlight due to gaining excess weight.
However, what is often forgotten by the haters is that these guys have managed to get back into shape. Their weight loss didn’t make it into the yellow press, which likes to savour failures rather than successes. Here are the top 5 inspirational weight loss stories from football geniuses.
1. Eden Hazard
Belgian football star Eden Hazard has been criticised many times for his weight. His career at Real Madrid has not gone well. He was more often than not sitting on the bench or recovering from injury. He hardly had any chances to shine with his skills.
- Probable causes: A break in the season, minor injuries that led to reduced activity, and indulgences during holidays may have contributed to weight gain. The lack of consistent game practice disrupted his diet and physical activity regimen. Fans watched in horror as the jersey tightened around the athlete’s grown belly.
- Probable solutions: Hazard, known for his incredible dribbling skills and quick movements, required agility drills, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and a strict diet to get back in shape quickly. He showed considerable mental toughness. Constant criticism motivated him to prove to everyone that he was a professional. The man was able to lose at least 5 kg in just one month.
2. Alvaro Morata
Morata’s fluctuating form on the pitch is sometimes attributed, perhaps unfairly, to his physical condition. The athlete has had some outstanding phases in his career, but there have also been some glaring failures.
- Probable causes: Personal problems, adjusting to a new league or team, and the pressure of expectations can affect the mental state and lead to weight changes. Even an experienced athlete can lose control.
- Probable solutions: Personalised strength and conditioning regimes, psychological wellness programmes and a balanced diet may have played a part in Morata’s return to fitness. Alvaro has finally returned to his homeland, which seems to give him strength and motivation. This is very important for effective weight loss.
3. Gonzalo Iguaín
Once the most sought-after striker, Iguaín too has faced comments about his weight, especially during his transitions from one club to another. Football journalists estimate that Gonzalo could be up to 10kg overweight after his summer holiday.
- Probable reasons: Changing training regime, adapting to a new diet, and cultural differences in cuisine when moving from one country to another. Also, Gonzalo has never been known for being strict with himself. He has talent, but definitely not a work ethic.
- Probable solutions: Special training modules to improve endurance, metabolic training to burn calories, and consultations with nutritionists are all necessary to keep a player like Iguaín in top shape. It is also important to note the changes in the psychology of the footballer. Closer to the end of his career, he rethinks his role in football. At 35, he trains more diligently than he did at 25.
4. Willian
A Brazilian winger with good flair and pace, he occasionally puts on the extra kilos, although this has bothered him less and less recently.
- Probable causes: Ageing, which naturally affects metabolism, and rest in the off-season. Willian spent his best football years at Ukrainian football club Shakhtar, with whom he reached the 1/4 finals of the Champions League. Now his professionalism has not disappeared anywhere, but his motivation level has obviously become lower.
- Probable solutions: Incorporating functional fitness, aerobics for fat burning and a calorie counting diet will help control his weight. Willian can have a few more successful seasons. He realises this, so he tries to give his best in training.
5. Isco
The Spanish midfield maestro also occasionally faces weight criticism, especially when he doesn’t make the starting eleven. It’s hard to call him fat, but sometimes a few extra kilos have caught the public’s eye.
- Probable causes: Reduced playing time means less physical activity on match days, as well as possible overeating due to stress or lower morale.
- Possible solutions: Regular gym sessions to develop musculoskeletal and flexibility, cardio exercises, and a Mediterranean diet high in protein and fat. Isco is not prone to obesity, but is very susceptible to public pressure. It is important for him to feel needed by the team. Every time he returns to the starting line-up, spectators can see a positive change in his fitness.
Final thoughts
The fluctuating weights of these and other elite footballers emphasise the immense strain they face both on and off the field. Their resilience and professionalism is evidenced by the fact that they often return to form, demonstrating excellent form. It is important to remember that athletes, like all of us, are human. They experience life’s ups and downs and their body weight can be a reflection of this. It is perseverance, discipline and dedication that enables athletes to overcome such challenges.